Knite



Dec. 20, 1966 -n ET AL 3,292,883

KITE

Filed Sept. 4, 1964 INVENTORS [MY/227m 5 (hf/.3, BY ZZZ 6217/6/52? $60?! EQLQQU/Q I United States Patent 3,292,883 KITE William B. Curtis, 3576 Green Acres Terrace, Dallas, Tex. 75234, and Wilbur Carleton Scott, Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Mich. (P.O. Box 149, Birmingham, Mich. 48012) Filed Sept. 4, 1964, Ser. No. 394,453 10 Claims. (c1. 244 -1s3 This invention relates to kites in general and more particularly to kites smaller than those conventionally known and about the size of a small round watermelon or a regulation volleyball. It also relates to kites of less conventional size, shape and material, including large kites and those with or without tails.

Since kites have been known, it has been commonplace to use lightweight sticks to provide a frame for a paper covering of one kind or another. Such construction has been accepted as necessary in providing a structure light enough to be carried aloft in a breeze and strong enough to withstand high winds and damage incident to getting a kite air-borne.

Generally speaking, kites that have rigid supports and tissue thin flexible coverings need a bridle attachment in order to hold them in a flight sustaining altitude. Their upper ends, in particular, must be kept pointed upward to induce the kite to climp and keep it from falling off to one side or the other and diving towards the ground.

It is an object of this invention to teach the use of a new material for making kites and, in particular, a material that is self-sustaining and requires no supporting framework.

It is an object of this invention to teach the use of this new and unconventional material in a way which makes use of its inherent bending and bending resistant strength in transverse planes.

More particularly, it is an object of this invention to teach the use of flat sheet material and ways of forming it, without other means, to obtain structural strength and desirable characteristics for air-borne flight.

Other objects and advantages will be best understood and more fully appreciated upon a reading of the following specifications and by reference to the accompanying drawing showing several forms of the present invention.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a front face or plan view of the most simple kite form of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a front face or plan view of one of the more preferred forms of kites showing crease or fold lines used in forming the kite.

FIGURE 3 is a front face or plan view of an oval kite form with the dilferent crease or fold lines.

FIGURE 4 shows a still different kite with different crease lines.

FIGURE 5 is a side view of the simple form of kite in flight and including a crepe paper tail.

FIGURE 6 shows the kite form of FIGURE 2 in perspective and as formed on the crease lines and disposed in flight;

FIGURE 7 shows a side view of the kite of FIGURES 2 and 6 and, more particularly, the flight image thereof from one side.

FIGURE 8 is a front plan view of a still different form of kite from the others shown.

FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the kite'of FIGURE 8 as seen in the plane of line 9-9 and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon.

FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of the kite of FIGURE 8 as seen in the plane of line 1010 and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon.

3,292,883 Patented Dec. 20, 1966 FIGURE 11 is a front face view of another kite form, this one showing a crepe paper tail.

FIGURE 12 is still another front face view of a still different kite.

The kites of this invention may be made to almost any size and dimension but they are most suitably made about the size of a small round watermelon or the size of a regulation volleyball. That is, except for one form which will be discussed separately as to its differences.

The kites are made from a flat sheet stock material that is almost paper thin but does have some body. The material of the sheet stock is an air-foam like beaded plastic which is extremely light in weight, is durable though easily cut with a knife or pair of scissors, and is impervious to water. More particularly, and most significantly, as regards its proposed use here, the material in question has an inherent granular strength in. one given direction which makes it relatively strong and resistant to bending forces. However, in the opposite or transverse direction it has bending strength which enables it to be bowed and to regain its original fiat shape as desired.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail:

The kite 10 of FIGURE 1 is made from one piece of material, is flat and is generally oval in shape though more like an apple in that it is larger on top and tapered towards its lower edge.

For purposes of discussion and identification, the edge 11 is the upper designated edge of the kite 10 and the edge 12 is its lower designated edge. Like terms but no numerals will be used in describing the other kites and the same relative edges are to be understood as referred to.

The flat kite form 10 best includes a tail, not shown in the first drawing figure, attached to its lower edge 12. It also should have a bridle string and therefor dual points for attachments of the bridle string as at 13 and 14.

FIGURE 5 shows the kite 10 with a bridle string 15 and with a kite string 16 in turn attached to it. The kite is also shown with a crepe paper tail 17 attached to its lower edge.

Referring more closely to FIGURE 1, horizontal lines are drawn lightly across the face of the kite 10 to emphasize the direction of its internal granular strength and, in turn, the direction of its bending strength which is normal thereto. FIGURE 5 shows that in having the bridle attachment points 13 and 14 spaced as shown the kite is able to bow itself in the wind and to assume an aero-dynamic form conducive to flight. The kite string 16 imposes a restraint and the wind creates a bowing force which varies with the strength of the wind.

Whether or not the kite 19 is actually bowed under the force of the wind is not a critical factor to flight and more significant is the lateral strength of the kite which prevents it from being bent out of shape in different directions. Its bending strength between its upper and lower edges, permits it to bow but yieldably so and without permanent deformation.

FIGURE 2 shows a kite 20 which is about the same size and general shape of kite 10 but is less tapered and so broader at its lower edge. The kite 20 includes a crease line 21 that is provided centrally thereof and is formed from the lower edge upwardly but terminates short of the uppermost edge. Instead, a pair of outwardly diverging and upwardly extended crease lines 22 and 23 begins at the upper terminal end of the line 21 and extend to the upper edge. The two lines form a triangular segment 24 with its point down and its base up.

The kite 20 has the parts 25 and 26 on each side of the line 21 folded back and likewise the triangular segment 24 as best shown by FIGURE 6. The two parts 25 and 26 form a dihedral angle between themselves which is conducive to flight and which varies in proportion to the ,nose of the kite over.

intensity of the wind. Furthermore, the angular relation of the two planar surfaces provides structural strength for the kite lengthwise and across the grain thereof. At the same time the triangular segment 24 is pulled back and inclined rearwardly, which is upwardly in flight as shown by FIGURE 7, and in a still different plane so that the three planar surfaces 24, 25 and 26 are structurally resistant to practically any forces likely to be encountered by the kite in flight.

The triangular segment 24 of the kite 20 is instrumental in holding the nose of the kite skyward and in preventing the kite from falling off to one side or the other and diving for the ground. The wind forces buffeted off the side walls 25 and 26 produce a lift force but tend to tilt the However, the wind likewise bounces off the surface 24 and thereby balances the overturning forces, flows off on each side for balance, and also contributes to the lift.

FIGURE 7 best shows the flight altitude of kite 20. It also shows that the kite string 27 is connected at the V- point 28 or like designated spot on the line 21 and near the top of the kite. No bridle string or tail is needed with this form of kite but may be used if desired.

FIGURES 3 and 4 shows kites 30 and 40, respectively, which include certain features of both of the. kites 10 and 20 already described.

Kite 30 is formed with crease or fold lines 31, 32 and 33 which form a flat triangular segment 34 thereon and Within its generally oval shape. This also produced rearwardly folding flaps 35, 36 and 37 which contribute to the structural strength of the kite in the diverse planes created. The side flaps 35 and 36 act as flight stabilizers and are bent more rearwardly under stronger winds for the added strength needed. The upper flap 37 assumes the lift altitude of the triangular segment 24 of kite 20.

The kite 30 may be flown without a bridle string but for best performance use of both a bridle string and a tail is recommended.

The kite 40 is the general shape of the kite 10. However, it has fold lines which create a diamond shaped segment 41 centrally thereof. In turn, they create stabilizing flaps 42 and 43 near the lower edge and rearwardly bending flaps 44 and 45 near the upper edge thereof. This kite form may also include a fold from top to bottom, as shown by dotted line 46, and thereby acquire other aerodynamic characteristics.

Referring now to FIGURE 8, a different form'of kite is shown. This kite is larger than it is wide and is between the size of present kites and those which have been described, although it may also be much larger. It is of the same aerated foamed plastic material and is provided from a flat form stamping.

The kite 50 is substantially straight across its bottom edge and tapers uniformly to almost a point at its top. However, it has a stub nose 51 which is the base of a triangular segment 52 formed by fold lines 53 and 54 converging into the center fold line 55 that extends substantially its full length. The similarity in the structural strength of kite 50 by the folds 53, 54, and 55 with the kite 20 and its folds 21, 22 and 23 will be immediately apparent. So also will the function of the side parts 56 and 57 of kite 50 and the nose lifting attributes of the triangular segment 52 be obvious.

FIGURES 11 and 12 show two more kites, 60 and 70, respectively. They are of different but conventional shapes as regards those previously described, but have different fold lines.

Kite 60 has a center fold line 61 which starts at the lower edge and terminates short of the top edge. However, it has a crescent shaped crease imprint 62 atthe upper terminal end of line 61 which extends divergently outward and upward just as folds 22 and 23 of kite 20. The curved line 62 thus enables the sides 63 and 64 of kite 60 to be bent back on line 61 while it offers a transition to a more flat straight surface at the top of the kite.

Kite 70 is similar to kite 60 except that line 71 terminates in divergent lines 72 and 73 which are straight and more like the fold lines 22 and 23 of kite 20 without being extended to the edge of the kite.

Both of the kites 60 and 70 have the advantage of 1 serving either as a flat face kite, like kites 10, 30 and 40 (without the center fold), or like the kites 20 and 50 with added form and structural strength. Further, the wind may be used to convert the kites 60 and 70 from one form to the other by causing the folding back of the sides in response to heavy wind forces.

Kite 60 shows a kite tail 65 of crepe paper which is about all that any of these kites need. In fact, the crepe paper tail is ideal in that it is most colorful and decorar These kites may be stamped from sheet stock on which 1 kite design have been pre-formed and pre-painted in bright 1 and gay colors. The material of these kites is most receptive to vivid colors and does not wash or fade out.

The kites may also be outlined and then cut by scissors from sheet stock. Once formed they may be decorated I by painting, pasting or reforming the edges with scallops etc.

When normal kite flight is desired, attention must be given to balance, nose-up altitudes, etc. However, a

dragon kite may well be built to twist, turn, dive and climb all over the sky trailing its decorative crepe paper tail behind it.

Another interesting thought with the present kites is that they may be made as life size facial replicas of famous people, particularly in politics, to fly the sky as visual images of partisanship interests.

Although several preferred forms of this invention have been shown and described in some detail, still other varia- Such of.

tions with other modifications are conceivable. these as are not specifically excluded by the language of the hereinafter appended claims are therefor to be considered as inclusive within the scope and generic terminology thereof. We claim: 1. A kite, comprising;

a one piece flat oval shaped and lightweight member having internal granular strength in one direction thereacross and relative bending flexibility in a direc-.

tion normal thereto,

a string and means of attachment to said member be tween designated top and bottom edges thereof,

and said member being sufficiently thin and lightweight for being borne aloft in a breeze and for wind modulated flexure thereof in the direction of flexibility to maintain the proper flight attitude therefor under the control and restraint of said string.

2. The kite of claim 1,

said member being of cellular pressed and water impervious plastic material readily formed by stamping from sheet stock, receptive of decorative printing directly on the faces thereof and capable of being cut by scissors to designated outline configurations.

3. The kite of claim 1, including:

a crepe paper tail attached to the bottom designated edge of said member.

4. The kite of claim 1,

said member having the granular strength thereof transversely thereacross and the bending flexibility about a like transverse axis.

5. The kite of claim 4, including:

said means of attachment including a bridle string connected near the top and bottom designated edges of said member,

and a crepe paper tail connected to the bottom designated edge of said member for further flight stabilization thereof.

6. A kite, comprising;

a one piece flat formed thin lightweight member of cellular plastic foam material having a longitudinal dimension greater than twice the width thereof,

said member having a bottom designated edge which is substantially straight and a fold line provided longitudinally and centrally thereof and commencing at said bottom designated edge,

said member being tapered towards a top designated end thereof and having the fold line terminated short thereof,

upwardly extending divergent fold lines beginning at the terminal end of the first mentioned fold line and providing a triangular segment therebetween,

said member being foldable backwards on opposite sides of the longitudinal fold line for longitudinal strengthening of the member and providing a flight conducive dihedral angle therebetween and said triangular segment being relatively rearwardly inclined in the course thereof,

and a string attached to the member between the bottom edge and top end thereof on the longitudinal fold line for air-borne flight control thereof.

7. A kite, comprising;

a flat formed thin lightweight member of cellular plastic foam material having an oval shape and top and bottom designated edges,

said member being. relatively larger near the upper designated edge and tapered slightly towards the lower designated edge,

a crease line provided from the bottom designated edge of the member centrally thereof and towards the top edge and forming complementary parts on opposite sides thereof,

said crease line terminating short of the top edge of the member at a given point and havingupwardly extending and outwardly divergent crease lines starting at said point and providing a downwardly pointing triangular segment therebetween,

a kite string connected to the member at substantially the given point thereon,

and a crepe paper streamer aflixed to the bottom designated edge of the member and providing a kite tail therefor,

said member being folded on the crease lines thereof for structural strengthening of the member and pro viding a flight conducive dihedral angle therebetween and the triangular segment being rearwardly inclined in the course thereof for keeping the top edge of said member disposed skyward in the course of flight.

8. A kite, comprising;

a unitary flat formed thin lightweight member having designated top and bottom edges and a string con nected thereto between said edges,

crease provided longitudinally on said member from the bottom designated edge thereof for folding the parts on opposite sides of the crease rearwardly for strengthening said member and providing a flight conductive dihedral angle therebetween.

means provided near the top designated edge of the member for wind responsive deflection thereof and disposing said top edge in a skyward climbing attitude in the course of flight,

the longitudinal crease terminating short of the top designated edge of the member,

and the wind responsive deflection means including a transverse crease provided across the upper disposed terminal end of the longitudinal crease and providing a wind responsive backward folding flap.

9. A kite, comprising;

a one-piece member formed from thin lightweight cellular pressed and water impervious plastic material by stamping from flat sheet stock to include an oval shape and having designated top and bottom edges and a string connection between said edges,

said member having internal granular strength between said edges and relative binding flexibility normal thereto,

and said member being formed to extend rearwardly on opposite sides of said string connection for strengthening said member and providing a flight conductive dihedral angle therebetween for bearing said member aloft and for wind modulated flexure as necessary to maintain a proper flight attitude.

10. A kite, comprising;

a unitary flat formed thin lightweight member having designated top and bottom edges and a string connected thereto between said edges,

a crease provided longitudinally on said member from the bottom designated edge thereof for folding the parts on opposite sides of the crease rearwardly for strengthening said member and providing a flight conducive dihedral angle therebetween,

means provided near the top designated edge of the member for upward wind deflection disposing said top edge in a skyward climbing attitude in the course of flight,

and divergent crease lines extending straight and t0 the upper designating edge of the member for providing 7 a rearwardly inclined triangular segment therebetween providing the wind responsive deflection means aforementioned.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,631,798 3/1953 Guerico 244-153 3,007,659 11/1961 Zachary 244153 3,128,974 4/ 1964 Teague 244-453 MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

ALFRED E. CORRIGAN, Examiner. 

1. A KITE, COMPRISING; A ONE PIECE FLAT OVAL SHAPED AND LIGHTWEIGHT MEMBER HAVING INTERNAL GRANULAR STRENGTH IN ONE DIRECTION THEREACROSS AND RELATIVE BENDING FLEXIBILITY IN A DIRECTION NORMAL THERETO, A STRING AND MEANS OF ATTACHMENT TO SAID MEMBER BETWEEN DESIGNATION TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES THEREOF, AND SAID MEMBER BEING SUFFICIENTLY THIN AND LIGHTWEIGHT FOR BEING BORNE ALOFT IN A BREEZE AND FOR WIND MODULATED FLEXURE THEREOF IN THE DIRECTION OF FLEXIBILITY TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER FLIGHT ATTITUDE THEREFOR UNDER THE CONTROL AND RESTRAINT OF SAID STRING. 